I had never heard of this film, but bought it sight-unseen because of the fine cast, while cruising Amazon. It was summarized as similar in theme to Secondhand Lions, which I found disappointing. I found the first half of this film to be rather boring, as the director couldn't decide whether he was making a madcap corny family comedy, or a film about a youth who gets an education from his grandfather about how to live close to the land. When the film emphasized the relationships between Peter Fonda and his grandson, the excellent Joseph Mazzello, and also Kris Kristofferson, it was interesting, humorous, natural, and involving. When it focused on the law, it was silly, broad, and distracting, except for Keith Carradine, who maintained a modicum of believability. The final 30 minutes rescued the film for me, as it mostly veered away from the unnecessary Keystone Kops stuff, and became truly affecting emotionally. Had the movie emphasized the central story throughout, without the silliness, I would have given it a 9 or 10, and it probably would be better known. Still, it is worth a look, and overall, I preferred it to Secondhand Lions.
Review of Wooly Boys
